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Edward not understanding the entire social dynamic going on in here. He wonders why the men are scared of this woman. He does send out his mind, and feels for the taint of evil on Katrina, her husband and the rest of the people in here.
Edward isn't one to cowtow to anyone, but still doesn't want to upset anyone here and possibly bring shame or difficulties to Nadya. He is also interested in hearing the response that Katrina has to Kappi's question.
After sniffing and swirling the tea, Edward says a short prayer to Apsu to bless the food he is about to consume. He then tastes the tea This tea is (insert comment herel, and it warms the bones. Thank you Katrina and to you Emil. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding we were under the impression that you might have had some items for sale to us. Thank you again for the tea and warmth by the fire.
The spell is successfully cast, and Edward finds the tea surprisingly refreshing.
Edward hears a voice in his head: You should leave Waldsby. Now.
He is unaffected by the suggestive tea, however, and realizes this suggestion came from Katrina.
Who pings with a very faint evil aura (since she does not have enough hit dice to actually ping with a faint evil aura).
Katrina stares at Edward for a long moment, clearly waiting for something. After a few moments, however, she turns away as Edward begins to speak about the tea, and Emil shouts, in a high-pitched voice, He is standing by the tavern counter, a large, loaded heavy crossbow trembling in his hand as he trains it on you four.
The Varisian lad quietly let's out a deep breath at the strange situation. He does not want to kill some towns person over a misunderstanding, however he deftly palms his daggers. He much prefers his tomahawk, but thinks this crazy Emil might pull the trigger on that crossbow if he sees someone draw a blade.
Sleight of Hand
Ali is bothered by the drama, and by her being ignored at trying to diffuse it. She ignores the tea. At Emil's surprise shout and threat, she looks calmly and resolutely at him, making no move toward her sword--but clearly out of confidence rather than out of fear.
She glances at the trembling crossbow, then locks eyes on the worker.
And why would we simple travellers just *being here* bring down the wrath of anyone?
Your very presence makes it all the more likely that the Pale Tower will send troops, Katrina says with a smirk. I think I speak for all of Waldsby when I say that we don't need you causing trouble here. While the other customers don't rise from their seats, there is a general murmur of assent that rises from them.
Despite Katrina's words to the contrary, you get the impression that she would in fact be just fine if troops from the Pale Tower showed up in Waldsby.
I'll not be askin' ya again to get out! says Emil.
"Fine. Not worth helping those who prefer the mantle."
I'll leave without word and head to the chapel of???
The chapel is dedicated to Pharasma, though the holy symbol painted by the door has seen much better days.
Inside the gloomy building, Davosh finds a few benches and an old (though carefully maintained) altar. Seated near the front, slumped over, is a thin, middle-aged man in black robes with silver embroidery about the lapel. Approaching, Davosh finds with some relief that the man is still living, as his intermittent snores attest.
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Emil put the crossbow down before you start something that you won't like the finish to. He nods at the big northman. I can assure you that we're not here to start trouble unless it is forced upon us. Katrina ya have a bit of talent with herbs designed to control peoples thoughts. You put them in your tea so I suggest that everyone stops drinking it.
With that Edward slowly stands Come my friends being the subject of an attempted poisoned by a woman with limited telepathy makes me not want to stay here. What's sad is she could have just asked to begin with.
Vojtek interposes himself between the crossbow and his friends while they exit. He calmly faces down the threat, without malice, rancor or fear until the group files out the door. Then he turns his back and closes the door behind himself after he steps out into the bracing air.
<--ppffffhahaha
Ali follows Davosh's example, and leaves without a word (but with a scowl, and an I-dare-you squint at Emil) toward the Temple.
Kappi files out with his comrades.
Kappi looks around and studies his surroundings.
Perception
Kappi notes the faded remains of several elaborate fresco paintings along the walls. Though he can't make out much in the way of specifics, it is apparent that once upon a time this was a well-kept house of worship.
He sees and hears no evidence that anyone else is in the chapel.
Kappi starts whistling an old Varisian song hoping that will gently wake the sleeping priest.
Kappi's merry rendition of "You've Lost That Old Varisian Feeling" snaps the man awake. Rolf Halzberg glances about nervously at first, but Ali's smooth words assuage him and the conversation slowly gets around to items he might have for sale.
He hasn't much — an oil of protection from evil (50 gp) and a nearly-consumed wand of bless weapon (3 charges, 50 gp) — but what he has he is cheerfully willing to sell, especially when you mention Nadya's name. Rolf also agrees to give you each a vial of holy water, free of charge.
I'll buy that wand for our use. Edward, you can cast that, right?
and thank you for the gift, Revered Father. I'm sure we'll put it to good use!
I'll buy the oil, and thank him for the holy water....
Now if I can just find my gold total...
Kappi thanks the priest for the holy water. On a whim the lad decides to drop 5 gold in the offering plate before walking out.
Nope. I want to get to the bottom of this...
Nope. I want to get to the bottom of this...
Yes, let's go make this special delivery
The party returns to Nadya's house. She has been grimly repacking the dogsleds in your absence, preparing to make the trip to the Pale Tower with the food stores. She brightens a bit upon seeing the five of you. I hope your foray into town bore some fruit, yes? These sleds are nearly ready to go. We can head to the Tower at first light tomorrow.
She looks at her humble home a moment, thinking, then turns back to the party. But I vould like to know, what is the plan? They vill be displeased to see armed foreigners vith me, and likely vill take it out on our town. I have already shed my tears for my dear Hjalnek and my babe Thora. I do not know if I have more to give for Orm and Mjoli.
How many of them do we have to kill? What are we up against?. The lad rewraps his head scarf as he thinks for a moment. I'm usually more of an organic method sort of free flowing sort of problem solver. But an actual plan that everyone is in on would probably work pretty well. . He looks over to the others, especially Davosh whom Kappi thinks is a genius.
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Well if I read everything right, I think that Natalya will help bring down the wrath of Whitethrone here anyway. I'm sorry to say that we kind of embarrassed her. For that matter she is using herbal tea to help try and control peoples minds. As far as going to white throne we can leave when your read and maybe try to sneak into the town. It is fine if you do not want to associate yourself with us while your there. I would hate for any harm to come to your remaining children on account of us.
I'm okay with trying to bluff/disguise our way in.
Nadya smiles slightly. You mistake my meaning, I think. It is precisely because of my remaining children and my town that I vill continue to aid you. I fully intend to come vith you and deliver my "gift" to the Pale Tower. Only, you shall be the unknown part of my present. I merely vant to know vhat you have planned, as approaching in the open and armed is certainly unwise.
She pauses, taking some rope to lash a tarp over the last sled as she continues. As for Katrina, I am not surprised. She is not a pleasant voman, to her husband or to...to others. If you are on her bad side, rest assured it is a place many others also sit. She stops and chuckles softly. I am unsure she has another side, honestly.
Nadya straightens from the sleds. Ve should be ready to go tomorrow. I cannot ask Kashka to vatch the boys again since I cannot pay her, but hopefully ve can return soon enough that it vill not matter.
I'm okay with trying to bluff/disguise our way in.
Okay
I'm okay with trying to bluff/disguise our way in.Okay
Nadya nods and scrounges up some local garb for everyone, gratefully accepts a small loan to pay for Kashka's services, and discusses the cover story with the party. With much settled, the party beds down for the night.
A few hours later, there is a commotion outside of Nadya's cottage. Kappi can hear shouting and occasional sounds of violence.
There is a brusque knock and a muffled voice from outside the house. Shortly, you each hear Nadya move across the house toward the kitchen and the door.
Hey guys, I'm pretty sure there is an angry mob outside. Weapon up just in case. Let me take a peak at things.
Quick as a bunny the Varisian lad stops her from answering the door. He peeks out the window to get a look at the situation.
Perception
Davosh takes out his crossbow and gets ready at the window, "Guys, let's not kill anyone we shouldn't. Edward, please give them your best speech." I cast Guidance on Edward.
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Edward will heed Kappi's warning and listen for the mob while grabbing his bow and quiver setting both near. He will also assist Vojtek in donning his armor then others if we have time. After everyone is assisted he will then put on his breastplate. If we run out of time He will of course life-link with either Ali or Kappi.
Quickly all get as ready as you can. I'm sure Katrina has stirred up some sort of trouble. Kappi, keep watch while I help Vojtek with his armor. Hopefully his imposing nature in full kit will dissuade any direct action against us.
Kappi's words halt Nadya, who is bleary-eyed but clearly worried.
Kappi can see half a dozen armed guards outside. Five have crossbows loaded and aimed at the door, while the last is the one knocking.
...half a dozen guards, five crossbows watching the door...
Kappi drops into a stance. He has a plan. He quickly relays to his comrades. Let myself and Ali (and maybe Davosh) go out the back and set up an ambush on the guards as a fallback plan. While the paladin (backed up by Vojtek) while attempt to speak with the guards and not get turned into a pin cushion.
What do you think?
In. I have Ghost Sound prepared, maybe that can give us a surprise edge...if it comes to that.
Vojtek nods.
A wink from the Big Eye
-Posted with Wayfinder
Nadya nods and calls out in the local language that she will be there in a moment. The knocking becomes louder and more insistent then.
Kappi and Ali prepare to slip out a window toward the side of the house, while Edward steps up alongside Nadya and Vojtek ducks into the other room.
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Waiting till everyone is ready (that includes them exiting the window before I open the door if that's the plan.
Edward quickly opens the door leaving his hand on it to close it for an impromptu shield from the readied bolts. Vojtek stands to his right along the door jamb ready to unleash is special blend of violence and fury if needed
With a bit of righteous indignation in his voice he says in a harsh whisper Good Sir what is the cause of all this ruckus? You should be ashamed of yourselves there are young children here and you're scaring them. Please put down your weapons violence will not be needed here at this time. We can talk about this like gentlemen.
Sorry, Davosh yes.
The guard looks at Edward in surprise, as though he didn't expect someone other than Nadya to answer. He looks back at his fellows, who all look to him expectantly. Finally, he clears his throat and stands more upright. Ahum! We're, ah...we're here to take Nadya Petska and her troublemakers in for questioning, he says. Sergeant Sertane's orders.
The soldier is clearly unsure of what to do; he expected a fight, not a discussion.
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Well my friend. I will be happy to talk to this Sergeant Sertane. Now I would prefer if he comes here and have a civilized conversation. I will be understanding that he is a busy man and go to him.
I'm sure that an observant and smart man that you, under your and your friends observations that we are not trouble makers. Since you were obviously sent here under false pretenses I have an alternate proposal. I will go talk to Sergeant Sertane, but since you have disturbed and upset the children Nadya will stay here to calm them down and make sure there are no lasting emotional scars from this ordeal. Can you give me a few minutes to gather my cloak and warm boots so I can accompany you to Sergeant Sertane?
Kappi creeps around the house and lays in wait. Favorite tomahawk in hand he is ready to ambush.
Vojtek stays hidden behind the door, afraid if he moves he will cause a ruckus of his own.
Ah...sure, you can take a moment or two. Yeah. No problem, you know? The lead guard is confused and indecisive; Edward's words make sense to him, but they seem to contradict his orders as well.
I'll have Liska hide (roll assumes there's snow)
Davosh will...
1: Cast Mage Armor
2: Cast Resistance (self)
3: Cast Guidance (self)
4: Cast Guidance (Kappi)
5: Hide